Subject-Matter Expert (SME) Avionics Engineer โ Active TS Clearance Required
Location:ย Onsite โ Dayton, OH, US
Employment Type:ย Full-Time, Permanent
About the Opportunity:
Client, a 100% employee-owned aerospace engineering company, is looking for a highly experienced Avionics Engineering SMEย to support the Air Forceโs Phalanx Griffon (PG)ย program. PG is an advanced, open-architecture airborne node designed to deliver decision-quality data to warfighters at the tactical edge.
This is a new and high-impact roleย that places you at the center of integrating mission-critical avionics systems across multiple platforms for Major Release 2 (FY 2025โ2027). Youโll ensure technical integration, flight readiness, and digital-thread continuity for one of the Department of the Air Forceโs most strategically significant airborne programs.
Key
Responsibilities:Architecture & Design Authority
- Define integration of Nomad VPX hardware with platform data buses (MILโSTDโ1553, ARINCโ429/664, Ethernet TSN) and mission computers.
- Develop ICDs, signal-flow diagrams, timing budgets, and alignment with OMS/UCI and cross-domain guard requirements.
Airworthiness & Certification
- Lead the creation of AF Form 1067s, flight-clearance packages (E-series), and safety-of-flight documentation.
- Support and oversee compliance with DOโ254 (hardware) and DOโ178C (software) standards.
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) & Digital Thread
- Model avionics systems in SysML/CAMEO and link to requirements, verifications, and part trees.
- Run configuration control boards and manage redlines and synchronized updates to digital artifacts.
Lab-to-Flight Integration
- Specify and verify harnesses, signal conditioning, and power interface implementations within the SIL.
- Diagnose and resolve EMI/EMC, signal timing, and protocol-related integration issues.
Flight-Test & Fielding Support
- Author test cards, telemetry plans, and IATT documentation.
- Serve as ground/flight avionics lead during developmental and operational test events, supporting real-time data analysis and anomaly troubleshooting.
Mentorship & Stakeholder Engagement
- Advise USAF Integrated Product Teams, SPOs, and OEMs while presenting tech readiness and risks to senior leadership (SES/GO level).
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers on open-architecture avionics and secure DevSecOps practices.
Basic Qualifications:
- U.S. Citizenshipย and Active TS/SCI clearanceย are required.
- Bachelorโs degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Avionics, or Computer Engineering (Masterโs preferred).
- 20+ yearsย of avionics design, integration, flight test, and operational fielding experience on military aircraft.
- In-depth knowledge of MIL-STDโ1553, ARINCโ429/664, Ethernet (TSN/AFDX), VPX architectures, and avionics timing/sync.
- Demonstrated success with integrating Typeโ1 cryptographic equipment, SATCOM, RF systems, and OMS/UCI or FACE-conformant components.
- Hands-on experience generating airworthiness documentation and leading DT/OT phases.
- Proficiency in avionics EโCAD and MBSE tools (CAMEO/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, Altium, OrCAD).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting programs like ABMS, CJADC2, or airborne C4ISR systems.
- Deep familiarity with DO-254, DO-178C, RCC 324/125โ15, and MILโSTDโ461 (EMI/EMC).
- INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, Designated Engineering Representative (DER), or USAF TPS coursework.
- Knowledge of integrating SDNs, content-routing, and software-defined radios into legacy airframes.
- Agile/SAFe certification and understanding of classified DevSecOps environments (e.g., Platform One, Rancher).
Why Join Client?
- Employee-Owned Culture:ย As part of our team, youโre also an owner and shareholder.
- Trusted Legacy:ย Serving military and government sectors since 1977.
- Core Values:ย We are built on People, Quality and Integrity, and Profitable Growth.
- Work-Life Balance:ย Flexible work hours and a collaborative environment.
- Professional Development:ย Opportunities to lead, mentor, and shape the next generation of avionics engineers.
- Compensation:ย Includes annual performance reviews and eligibility for Bonus Incentive Plans (BIPs).
Additional Information:
- Relocation Available:ย No
- Sponsorship Available:ย No
- Equity:ย No (Employee-owned through ESOP)
- Variable Compensation:ย Yes โ BIPs and annual performance reviews
- Direct Reports:ย No
- New Position:ย Yes